Spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma misdiagnosed to renal carcinoma: a case report

Abstract

Renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma is a rare and unique subtype of classic angiomyolipoma, characterized by the presence of epithelioid cells. It often presents with nonspecific symptoms and can be easily misdiagnosed due to its similarity to renal cell carcinoma and classic angiomyolipoma in clinical and radiological features. This case report is significant for its demonstration of the challenges in diagnosing epithelioid angiomyolipoma and its emphasis on the importance of accurate differentiation from renal cell carcinoma and classic angiomyolipoma. A 58-year-old Asian female presented with sudden left flank pain and was initially diagnosed with a malignant renal tumor based on imaging studies. She underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma. The patient recovered well and is currently in good health with regular follow-ups. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges, with a focus on the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features that eventually led to the identification of epithelioid angiomyolipoma. Epithelioid angiomyolipoma is easily misdiagnosed in clinical work. When dealing with these patients, it is necessary to make a comprehensive diagnosis based on clinical symptoms, imaging manifestations, and pathological characteristics.